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Ch. 17 - Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host
Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 17, Problem 7

Match the following choices to the statements in questions 5–7:
a. IgA
b. IgD
c. IgE
d. IgG
e. IgM
Antibodies that are bound to mast cells and involved in allergic reactions.

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1
Step 1: Understand the role of each antibody class listed (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) in the immune system.
Step 2: Recall that IgE antibodies are specifically known for binding to mast cells and basophils.
Step 3: Recognize that when IgE antibodies bind to allergens, they trigger mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic reactions.
Step 4: Compare this function with the other antibody classes to confirm that none of them are primarily involved in allergic responses via mast cell binding.
Step 5: Conclude that the antibody class involved in allergic reactions by binding to mast cells is IgE.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

IgE is a class of antibodies primarily involved in allergic reactions. It binds to receptors on mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of histamine and other mediators when allergens are encountered, leading to symptoms of allergy.
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Mast Cells and Their Role in Immunity

Mast cells are immune cells found in tissues that play a key role in allergic responses. When IgE antibodies bound to their surface recognize allergens, mast cells release inflammatory chemicals like histamine, causing allergy symptoms such as swelling and itching.
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Antibody Classes and Functions

Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are proteins produced by B cells with different classes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM), each having distinct roles. Understanding these classes helps identify which antibody is involved in specific immune responses, such as IgE in allergies.
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Classes of Antibodies